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Helping Urban Marine Mammals |
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- When boating on the ocean, watch out for dolphins,
porpoises, whales, manatees, and other animals. Operate at a
reasonable speed.
- If your ocean- or bay-front property has a septic system,
have it inspected periodically to ensure its proper
operation. Improperly treated wastes that flow into coastal
waters raise bacterial counts and may bring heavy metals and
other contaminants into the ocean environment.
- Storm drains in urban or suburban streets may carry
antifreeze, oil, and chemicals that wash away with the rain
into the ocean. Check with your town to see whether storm
drain water is treated before it is released.
- Residents of high-rise condominiums along beaches on the
east coast of Florida have a unique way to help urban whales.
The Marine Resources Council (see Off site link below) trains
volunteers to spot rare North Atlantic right whales who
overwinter along the coast. This program helps scientists
understand where these whales roam and allows us to define
and protect important habitats for this declining species.
Encourage similar efforts in a beachfront community near
you.
- When boating or picnicking along the beach, dispose of
your trash properly. A shiny gum wrapper may look like a
slowly moving fish, and animals may swallow or get entangled
in plastic bags that blow into the ocean by mistake. Trash
that is eaten is trash that can kill.
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